Employers and organizations use self-evaluation letters from employees and subordinates to help determine job performance, employee contribution and overall excellence. Writing a positive, specific self-evaluation will help your employer or organization see you as a valuable asset. A powerful, convincing self-evaluation can lead to an improved performance evaluation from your superiors and may help advance your career. There are several things to consider when writing an effective, persuasive self-evaluation letter.

Writing a Self-Evaluation Letter

Take some time to develop the content for your self-evaluation. Allow about a week to outline, draft and edit a powerful, persuasive evaluation letter.

Gather information. Determine what your job description is, consider any special projects you have completed, and identify your strengths and weaknesses. Think about any special recognition or awards you have earned and areas of job performance where you are most adept. List all commendations, certification, promotions or education you have received. Ascertain what you are most proud of in your work and aspects of your job you enjoy the most and focus on those areas.

Use the STAR method to help articulate the information you have gathered. Describe a situation (S) or task (T), what action (A) you took to complete it and the final results (R) of the situation.

Use specific examples in you letter. Mention surveys, financial results, years of experience, job titles, lack of customer complaints or glowing reviews. Use exact numbers to add credibility.

Many self-evaluation forms include specific categories to help employers and organizations identify your specific strengths and weaknesses. Categories may include communication, customer service, problem-solving or teamwork. Cite relevant examples for each category to make your evaluation more powerful.

Identify room for improvement. Let your employer know that you see areas where you could improve and list the steps you will take to better your performance. This will show your desire to learn and grow with the company. Make sure you construct this section using positive and active words and phrases.

Discuss the next step you would like to take on your career path. Include your interest in goals such as a promotion, pay increase, transfer to another department or more authority. This will let your supervisor know where you see your future with the company.

Ask a friend or relative to read your final self-evaluation letter. Ask them to consider whether your statements are positive and clear, if you have accurately and completely defined your strengths and whether the content is relevant and believable.